“Top-Commission-Position important, but what counts in Europe is industrial competitiveness, innovation and growth”

EUROFER calls for a strong and decisive new European Commission as well as a vivid,

European Parliament, which focuses on competitiveness, growth and jobs in Europe.

Today´s informal dinner of the Heads of State and Governments is the starting point of a new Commission. For the first time, the result of the European Elections has to be taken into account in appointing the President of the European Commission. Although there will be no “white smoke” this evening in Brussels, the political headhunting should be done quickly, but seriously.

Political decision on who should head the next European Commission, should focus on the need for a proper balance in European policies, says EUROFER Director General Gordon Moffat. “The more time is spent on creating a win-win situation for climate and industry policy in Europe, the faster European markets will accelerate growth.”

In this respect, EUROFER supports the European Trade Union (ETUC), which today called for a “new path for Europe”, where the new leaders should “invest in growth and quality jobs”.

In the coming years EUROFER expects growth in Europe of 2 to 3 per cent, a more modest rate compared with the global outlook. Therefore Europe needs an industrial policy that delivers a win-win situation for the EU economy. Having already significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, the EU steel industry is ready to play its part in helping to further reduce CO2 emissions, but realistic targets should now be set for the foundation industries including the steel industry.

"The EU should consider whether its ambitious climate objectives are still realistic with its new efforts to reduce Europe’s high gas dependency", EUROFER Director General Gordon Moffat points out.

According to the results of a 2013 study from BCG, “Steel’s contribution to a low carbon Europe 2050”. There are no economically viable technological solutions which would allow the steel industry to reduce emissions beyond the 2020 targets.

Represented by EUROFER, the European steel industry represents the world leader in its sector, producing on average 170 million tonnes of steel per year with direct employment of 350 thousand highly skilled people. More than 500 steel production and processing sites in 24 EU member states provide direct and indirect employment for millions of European citizens.